“Disrespect’ at Stephenson County Board meetings upsets vets

Thursday

Oct 10, 2013 at 8:00 PM

By Nick CrowThe Journal-Standard

FREEPORT — A Stephenson County veterans group again appeared at the Stephenson County Board meeting Thursday night to voice disapproval of board members who refuse to recite the Pledge of Allegiance before the meetings.

“That shows great disrespect of this country and every veteran who was put in harm’s way,” said Scott Haugh, commander of Disabled American Veterans Black Hawk Life Chapter 29. “To see elected officials act in such a way is totally disrespectful. It’s a great disrespect to our community, who these officials were elected to represent.”

Haugh, whose group also attended the September meeting, said the group plans to explore ways to show elected officials the proper way to honor veterans.

“We might have to sponsor our own candidates during the next election,” Haugh said. “We need to start drawing a line in the sand. If you don’t represent us, we will find someone who will.”

Also, Stephenson County Board Chairman Bill Hadley announced a special meeting will be Oct. 30 to present the 2014 budget to the public. That will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Stephenson County Courthouse.